Basswood?
 

Anyone use basswood for making saltwater surface plugs? I know it doesn't have the natural oils that make cedar an obvious choice, and it's kinda fuzzy when you machine it, but if I seal the piss out of it is there any other reason why its a bad choice? I have some is why I'm asking, and also being new to the lathe, I can't seem to turn the red cedar I have without it chipping all to hell. Maybe it's the wood? It's very loose grained and I would think a tight, straight grain would be optimal.? Any thoughts, anecdotes, limericks?

Basswood is actually pissah for plug making, Spins nice, seals nice. Great for top-water plugs......freshwater guys love it for Swimmers